China Visa-Free Countries Guide

China allows ordinary passport holders from selected countries to enter visa-free for short stays under its unilateral visa exemption policy.

This guide explains which countries were listed by China’s National Immigration Administration at the last source check, what the 30-day rule means, which travel purposes may be covered, and what to verify before booking.

For the full entry decision flow, start with our China entry and visa guide: China entry and visa guide

Important warning

This is practical travel information, not legal or immigration advice. Visa-free policies can change. Always recheck the National Immigration Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese embassy or consulate for your country, and your airline before travel.

The short answer

At the last source check for this draft, NIA’s English page listed 50 countries covered by China’s unilateral visa exemption policy. The page says nationals of the listed countries holding ordinary passports may enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visits to relatives and friends, exchange visits, or transit, for stays of up to 30 days.

The stay duration is calculated from 00:00 on the day following the date of entry, according to NIA’s wording.

Do not confuse this with 240-hour transit

China’s 30-day visa-free entry policy and 240-hour visa-free transit policy are different.

30-day visa-free entry:

• based mainly on passport country, passport type, purpose and stay length;
• can support normal short visits if the purpose qualifies;
• does not require a third-country transit route.

240-hour visa-free transit:

• based on a transit route to a third country or region;
• applies to a different eligible country list;
• depends on designated ports and permitted stay areas;
• requires onward travel within the allowed time.

Transit guide: 240-hour visa-free transit in China

Countries listed by NIA at last source check

NIA’s English list was compiled according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs information as of February 17, 2026. It grouped countries as follows.

Europe

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Oceania

Australia, New Zealand.

Asia

Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia.

Americas

Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, Uruguay.

What passport type is covered?

The NIA page refers to nationals of the listed countries holding ordinary passports.

If you hold a diplomatic, service, official, refugee, stateless, emergency, temporary, or other special travel document, do not assume the same rule applies. Check official sources before traveling.

What travel purposes may qualify?

NIA’s list says ordinary passport holders from the listed countries may enter visa-free for:

• business;
• tourism;
• visits to relatives and friends;
• exchange visits;
• transit.

This does not mean every activity is allowed. Work, study, journalism, long-term residence, or activities requiring prior approval may need the correct visa.

How long can you stay?

NIA’s page states stays of up to 30 days. It also states the duration of stay is calculated from 00:00 on the day following the date of entry.

Practical advice:

• do not plan to leave at the last possible moment;
• keep a buffer before the end of the permitted stay;
• keep proof of your return or onward travel;
• check whether local registration or accommodation rules apply.

What to prepare before traveling visa-free

Even if you qualify, prepare:

• valid passport;
• return or onward ticket;
• hotel booking or stay address;
• travel itinerary;
• proof of purpose if relevant;
• arrival card information;
• payment setup;
• phone data setup;
• contact details in China if visiting family, friends, suppliers or fair contacts.

Immigration checklist: what to prepare before China immigration

Business travelers and Canton Fair visitors

The NIA list includes business as one of the stated purposes for listed ordinary passport holders. Still, business travel can vary.

A short visit for meetings or a trade fair is not the same as working in China. If your activity involves employment, paid work, installation, training, filming, journalism, or regulated services, check whether a visa is required.

Canton Fair visitors should also prepare fair registration documents, hotel booking, business cards, supplier contacts, and payment setup.

Payments guide: Payments in China

What happens at immigration?

Visa-free entry does not mean no inspection. At the border, officers may check:

• passport;
• travel purpose;
• stay duration;
• accommodation address;
• return or onward ticket;
• arrival card information;
• whether your activity matches the visa-free policy.

Arrival process guide: China arrival card and immigration process

Common mistakes

Do not use the 240-hour transit list to judge 30-day visa-free entry.

Do not assume all EU, ASEAN, or G7 countries are automatically included.

Do not assume special passports are covered.

Do not assume business visa-free means employment is allowed.

Do not overstay the 30-day period.

Do not rely only on social media lists.

Do not forget airline boarding checks.

Official policy sources to check

China entry and transit rules can change by nationality, port, routing and date. Before relying on this guide, check the National Immigration Administration update on the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, the NIA visa-free transit policy explainer, and the relevant Chinese embassy or visa center page for your country.

Use this article as a planning framework, then verify your passport validity, onward ticket, eligible route and permitted stay area against the official source before you book a non-refundable itinerary.

FAQ

Last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-07-03